Chapter 870
Skylar held Simona close, saying nothing. She gently patted her back. Simona sobbed against Skylar’s shoulder for a long time. Once Simona’s emotions calmed, Skylar helped her back to the hospital bed. Perhaps comforted by Skylar’s presence, Simona quickly closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Skylar sat beside the bed, holding Simona’s hand tightly. The simple act seemed to offer Simona some small relief from her fear. When Skylar noticed Simona’s breathing becoming steadier, she relaxed slightly, taking the time to observe her. Tears still clung to Simona’s eyelashes, her face streaked with tear marks. The evening’s events had been an unimaginable ordeal. Those classmates would pay for what they had done.
Simona’s sleep was restless. After barely half an hour, she woke with a jolt, screaming, “No!” Her voice was raw and desperate. Skylar, startled, immediately moved to soothe her. “Simona, I’m here. Don’t be afraid. No one will ever hurt you again.”
Simona’s terrified eyes slowly cleared at Skylar’s words. She clutched Skylar’s hand tighter. “Skylar… I just don’t understand. I threatened them, begged them, tried everything, but nothing worked. They were determined to bully me and Wendy.”
Simona had never imagined that returning to school, filled with hope and believing she had made good friends, would shatter her dreams. It was like a beautiful dream turning into a nightmare just before its end, plunging her into hell.
Skylar’s voice was soft yet firm. “They will pay for this, Simona. I promise you.”
Simona buried herself in Skylar’s embrace, her voice trembling. “I know my brother won’t let them get away with this. But… my body hurts, my heart hurts, and then there’s Wendy… Wendy planned to go to the same college as her boyfriend, but now… what will she do?”
Even then, Simona’s concern was for the other girl. Skylar’s heart ached at Simona’s resilience and kindness. “You both are brave girls. You won’t be defeated that easily,” Skylar said softly.
Simona bit her already injured lip. She knew Ajken would seek justice, but she was determined to fight for herself, too. Wendy Specter had always been timid. When they were rescued, Wendy had passed out. Skylar was right; the blame rested solely with those boys.